Four-member committee to study, advice COVID-19 infection among sailors - DDHS

By Sandun A. Jayasekera

Chief dermatologist and Deputy Director General of Health Service (DDHS) Dr. Paba Palihawadana said yesterday a four member committee of medical experts has been appointed by Director General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe to advice the Sri Lanka Navy to prevent any further COVID-19 infections within its ranks.  

‘The continual trend of sailors falling victim to COVID-19 is bit worrisome because we have successfully controlled the viral infection from spreading in society. If we can prevent the infections among sailors at the Welisara Naval detachment, we can claim that we have fully controlled the viral infection,” Dr. Palihawadana said.   

She said the four-member team would look into the pattern of infection of Navy men, the source of infection, precautionary measures to prevent further infections etc., and report with a quick mechanism to put an end to infections among sailors to Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva who leads the fight against COVID-19, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Piyal de Silva and Dr. Anil Jasinghe.   

The team of experts comprises of Dr. Deepa Gamage, Dr. Tilanga Ruwanpathirana, Dr, Chrishan Hirimutugoda and Dr. Kasun Seneviratne.   

• Continual trend of sailors falling victim to COVID-19 is bit worrisome